More than 100 animals seized

CLYDE — Deputies and agents from local and national humane societies seized more than 100 animals from a licensed veterinarian's home in Clyde on Tuesday morning. The Sandusky County Sheriff's Office, the Sandusky County Humane Society agents and those working with Humane World for Animals — formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States — responded to a home in the 3300 block of County Road 175, according to information from Humane World for Animals and the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office and county dog warden served a search and seizure warrant at 7:30 a.m. on a residence that Humane World said is owned by a veterinarian. A release from the Sandusky County Animal Cruelty Division and police records identified the veterinarian as Laura Hirt, whose age was not listed, of the same address. The release states the allegations of animal neglect have been under investigation for several months and that Hirt was indicted Friday on five counts of cruelty to companion animals, each charge a fifth-degree felony. It wasn't immediately clear if Hirt had obtained an attorney, had an initial court appearance or entered a plea. No court records appeared to be publicized on a county website Tuesday evening. "We are aware that this individual has seen veterinary clients in this residence, which raises concerns about the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses identified among the population of animals here, including feline leukemia," said Kelly Pocock, chief humane agent for Sandusky County. "Animals in our community deserve better, and we are grateful to everyone involved in this rescue operation." During the search, authorities found dogs, cats, goats, alpacas, donkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits, exotic birds and a pig living in conditions consistent with "large-scale neglect," according to a news release from Humane World of Animals. The different species were scattered around the house, accompanied by a strong ammonia odor, the release stated. Responders encountered around 20 dogs moving through a hallway lined with caged parrots. One of the parrots appeared to have a wound on its wing. Inside the basement, authorities located an examination table that appeared to have drops of dried blood and dirty pawprints. While inside the basement, responders additionally found the following: • A tray next to the table held used needles, sutures and some unlabeled medications. • A tabby cat was found hunched over in a cage with an apparent eye injury, which veterinarians noted appeared to be very painful. • Dozens of cats, some with apparent upper respiratory illnesses characterized by eye and nasal discharge, were found in adjoining rooms. • Responders found several rabbits living in the basement in a barren room on concrete flooring, which was covered in feces and urine. • Veterinarians noted that many of the animals were suffering from severe dental disease. The animals have since been removed from the property and were transferred to non-disclosed locations in order to receive treatment for their injuries, the release states. "This is particularly egregious because a veterinarian has the knowledge and expertise to recognize when animals need help," said Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a forensic veterinary consultant for Humane World for Animals and Ohio representative for Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance. "We swear an oath to treat animals with dignity and respect and our communities trust us to put the utmost importance into the welfare and health of animals. This is a shocking anomaly." Added Mark Finneran, Ohio state director for Humane World for Animals: "I appreciate Sandusky County authorities for their dedication and work on this case. It's gratifying to see everyone working together to help these animals, but our goal is to prevent animal suffering from escalating like this in (the) first place. This serves as a reminder to the public that animals in our community are depending on us to speak up when there is an animal welfare concern."